Water damage from inclement weather or a ruptured pipe can be one of the most catastrophic events a homeowner will face. In the event of water damage, many of your belongings are likely beyond repair, the cleanup procedure can be laborious, and the risk of mold growth can persist for weeks. But with quick action and an organized strategy, you can recover from water damage as hassle-free as possible by getting off on the right foot.
Essential Measures to Take After Water Damage
Water damage in a home can lead to devastating financial and emotional losses. It can ruin foundations, walls, floors, and furnishings and causes mold development. Luckily, by following the essential steps below, homeowners can lessen the effects of water damage in their houses.
1. Identify the Damage
Identifying the magnitude of the damage is the first stage in water damage recovery. Determine the scope by checking the affected areas. Additionally, watch out for any signs of mold development, which poses a severe health hazard. To support your insurance claim, take pictures of the water damage as proof.
If you need immediate action to repair water damage in your home, contact an expert in emergency water damage restoration in Honolulu to help you assess the damage and provide rapid assistance.
2. Cut off the Electricity and Water Supply
When it’s safe to do so, homeowners must switch off their electricity and water supply. Wet outlets raise the risk of a fire or an electrical short in the wiring behind the walls if the power is left on. If you notice that a fuse box has water in it or is overheating, it is crucial that you seek professional assistance to avoid accidents. After turning off the power, those living there can safely disconnect and remove damaged appliances.
3. Ventilate the Home
If the house isn’t dried thoroughly, moisture may re-emerge. Direct airflow can be achieved by opening windows and doors to allow for a cross breeze and using dehumidifiers and electric fans. Once power is restored, if it is safe to do so, leave the air conditioning system running continuously to eliminate moisture and dry out the home.
4. Sanitize and Clean the Home
After drying out the area, the following measure is to clean, sanitize and deodorize the walls, floorings, and personal belongings. Water damage can contain hazardous germs and likely will cause an unpleasant smell. You can use environment-friendly and safe cleaners to sanitize all objects that came in contact with water. For personal items with a tough odor, some water remediation companies offer an odor removal service to help save important possessions.
5. Fix the Damage
As soon as you finish cleaning and sanitizing your house, most of the job involved in recovering from water damage can be done by you as long as you are prepared to put in a great deal of time and effort. However, many homeowners will opt for a complete property damage restoration service due to the nature of the work and the mold risk associated with it.
Conclusion
Recovering from water damage can be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, if you move quickly and follow the actions described above, you can reduce the damage and avoid further issues. Having said that, if the damage is serious and you are unsure about the repair procedure, hire a professional water damage restoration firm to repair and restore your house to its pre-damage state.